The 14th season of The Voice kicked off with heartfelt emotion as viewers tuned in on February 22, 2025, to witness the audition of Colette Mansard, who made waves as the oldest contestant ever to grace the show's stage at the age of 96. Hailing from Larmor-Baden, Morbihan, this exceptional contestant has forged an impressive career behind the scenes, writing for iconic French artists but never taking center stage herself until now.
Colette’s remarkable participation stemmed from her lifelong passion for music, and it was actually the encouragement of the media where she had previously made herself known as someone who might dare to audition. "A journalist from Ouest-France urged me to sign up, and I was ecstatic when I got the call for the casting!" she shared, reflecting her nervous excitement as the day approached. On stage, she chose to perform her own song, "Comment faire pour être heureux," showcasing her vocal talents and emotional depth.
During the episode, co-host Christophe Beaugrand emphasized Colette’s unprecedented achievement, noting, "She’s not just the oldest participant on The Voice France, but worldwide!" Colette expressed her joy during her audition when she exclaimed, "How to be happy? Well, tonight, I'm happy! I’m just overjoyed to be here!"
Despite her heartfelt performance, none of the four esteemed coaches – Florent Pagny, Zaz, Vianney, and Patricia Kaas – turned their chairs. The moment sparked outrage and disbelief from the audience and viewers alike on social media, prompting numerous comments demanding respect for her age and talent. Many expressed disappointment, stating, "How could they not turn for Colette?" One viewer lamented, "It’s not right to invite older contestants if they’re not appreciated for their courage to participate."
Yet, amid the disappointment, Colette persevered, showcasing her infectious energy and positivity. After the auditions, Patricia Kaas took to social media, highlighting how touched she was by Colette’s presence, declaring: "It was such a beautiful moment together. I was moved; we all were!" Kaas proactively pressed the ‘second chance’ button, allowing Colette to have another opportunity to perform later, much to her delight and the public’s joy.
This decision ignited another wave of discussion online, where some praised Kaas for her compassion, whereas others critiqued her for using the second chance on someone deemed to be less competitive solely based on age. It raises the question about the precarious balance between compassion and competition within reality TV.
"I may be old, but it doesn't mean I should stop trying!" Colette said later, articulately conveying her message of resilience to both her family and younger generations. Reviews from her daughters reflected mixed feelings yet unwavering support: "You’re perhaps a bit crazy, mom, but we’re proud of you!" they remarked lovingly.
Reflecting on her extensive career, Colette’s contributions to French music over the years have been significant. Having composed for legends like Juliette Gréco and accompanied Johnny Hallyday, she has largely remained behind the scenes. Colette opined about her earlier hesitations to step out of the shadows, saying, "I was more timid than I am now. Now, I feel I've gathered enough courage to share my music with the world!"
Bruno Berberes, the show's casting director, remarked, "We couldn’t ignore Colette’s presence. She is our beloved mascot this season, and we’re excited to see where her story will lead us all. She's shown us all how age has no barrier to pursuing your dreams!" Colette has even recorded new music, reinforcing her enthusiasm and tenacity. "This is just the beginning for me. At almost 100, I’ve still got dreams to chase," she affirmed.
It's clear from the outpouring of admiration and support from fans and viewers across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) where Colette's performance evoked immediate emotional responses. Many users tweeted sentiments such as, "Colette made me tear up!" reflecting the touching nature of her story and performance. Others rallied behind her, stating, "Give Colette another chance! This season wouldn’t be the same without her warm smile and incredible spirit!"
Overall, Colette Mansard’s audition not only broke records but captured hearts, proving the power of music and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, regardless of age. Whether or not she continues to advance, Colette's presence on The Voice is already being hailed as inspirational, proving to viewers young and old alike, there’s no age limit for chasing dreams. For her, this has certainly been a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, and she has every intention to continue being true to herself and sharing her love for music with the world.
Lastly, as viewers look forward to her return performance, many will be watching intently to see how she continues to touch the lives of those around her and inspire others to follow their dreams.